katie tower

Inspired by 05: Alana Paterson

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:46:00 -0400

Something on facebook tipped me off to Alana Paterson’s wicked body of work. You can see a video/interview with her here. She’s on instagram as well.

I’ve been neglecting my 35mm lately, but I am so inspired to pick it back up and shoot this weekend.

Love The One You're With

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:06:00 -0400

Halifax is a city which occupies a special place in the hearts of many. It can suck though, and yesterday there was some talk on twitter about its socio-economic pitfalls and shortcomings; especially for those of us who are in between the university stage and being a full-blown grownup. I can’t keep track of the number of my friends in their mid-twenties who have left for adventures in bigger cities or to find gainful employment after spending tens of thousands of dollars at one of our many post-secondary institutions.

I get down on this place a lot. I mean, there was a burger craze this winter that nearly drove me over the edge and we’re currently experiencing what could be described as the Shittiest Spring Weather Possible. Sometimes it feels like moving to Toronto is a great idea, but Toronto is not Halifax and so I stay. There is immense potential. If you have an idea that is even remotely forward thinking, it probably hasn’t been done here. There are both pros and cons to that, but the people here are so damn nice and do a great job at supporting one another, so I lean toward more pros than cons.

In a move that goes against my not-so-optimistic nature, here are some fun things that are be happening in Halifax within the next month or so. If your relationship with this city is feeling a little… blah, I encourage you to get out and try one or two of these things. Y’know, spice things up! It takes two to tango. Let’s all stay in love with Halifax.

Tonight: Vice/HTC Downtown Sound featuring Ryan Hemsworth & Cold Warps at the Bus Stop Theatre
Word on the street is that this, as the kids say, will be off the chain. Get there early because I think there will be a long lineup and the Bus Stop Theatre is teensy! Free beer, free cover, free love.

May 26: TIBS at Nite
Everyone’s favourite cafe in Dartmouth (I love Dartmouth, too!) is starting a new venture. Renee Lavallee (aka Feisty Chef) will be serving up hot, seasonal dishes from 6 - 9pm (or while supplies last) for around $10 each!

Date TBD (but soon): The Shack Oyster Bar
I am just so happy it’s not another burger joint. Renée is poised to elevate Halifax’s seafood game beyond the fish and chip fare we all know and love.

May 31: Old Crow Medicine Show at the Olympic Centre
Let’s drink beer and stomp around listening to some awesome bluegrass/country music, shall we? Halifax may not get Beyoncé, but we are spoiled with lots of amazing shows.

June 5: Floral Crown workshop at J & R Grimsmo with Oh Dina!
Treats, sangria, supplies, and awesome company for the low low price of $25. I made a floral crown last summer but felt a little silly wearing it because no one else had one. Now I’ll be able to wear mine (and I’ll have two to choose from) knowing that there is an army of ladies in the streets of Halifax wearing theirs in solidarity.

There are a few events that I would love to see happen and so here is a list that I’m putting out into the universe. Contact me if you think they sound fun. Maybe we can make some things happen!

Hair braiding workshop
Flower arranging workshop
Nail art pop-up event

I’ll see you around town!

Links & Likes

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:50:19 -0400

Happy May 2-4 weekend!

Video: This is Water

The Scientific 7-Minute Workout

And so it goes; a great line of market bags

Video: 55 seconds of nature

Some wisdom

This pretty ANN-YA pouch

Ice Cream Roses via Swissmiss

Post image is artwork by Katrine Coetzer via Miss Moss

Wednesday Wow | No.5

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:41:18 -0400

I really have no words for how amazing this home is. The black (dark grey?) walls are a dream! And I’ve never heard of a summer bedroom but now I absolutely must have one.

Head over to the post on The Design Files to see a bunch more photos. Be prepared to swoon!

Put a Lid on it

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:01:02 -0400

Baseball caps. Not something I would have thrown into the must have category until all of a sudden I started seeing tons of amazing hats popping up around the web.

Actually my first, “damn, girl! Nice cap!” moment happened last summer when Inga rocked one at the beach by Canadian company Raised By Wolves.

1 Ikat Cap by Of a Kind / 2 The Corn Print in Grenadine by Norse Projects (locally, RCHMD carries Norse!) / 3 Algonquin Five Panel by Raised by Wolves (Canadian Made!) / 4 Black Floral Five Panel by Discrete / 5 Mint Flower 2.0 by i love ugly

Ladies, wadda ya say we beat the dudes at their own game?!

Links & Likes

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:44:41 -0400

I sort of feel like the whole city is one big Jack-in-a-Box. Spring is teasing us; turning the crank and then without warning: POP! We’ll be basking in the warm sunlight. Here’s hoping that moment occurs sometime very soon. I’m so ready for it. Have a good weekend!

This instagram feed of ladies on motorcycles

The Fogo Island Inn is in the May 2013 Monocle Magazine

Kinfolk’s Sounds of Spring playlist

“The Build” via TFIB

Video: Louis C.K.’s Of Course… But Maybe bit

I’m your peer!

Zach Braff’s Wish I Was Here Kickstarter campaign

Post photo: Double Exposures by Sara K Byrne see the tutorial here.

My first four pots pre-trimming | A Treat | Trees

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:44:15 -0400

My first four pots pre-trimming | A Treat | Trees

The Wisdom of Many: On Perspective

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:08:10 -0400

Today, as I walked past a big hotel development on my way to work, I noticed that there were four or five masons on site. They were laying brick to cover the facade. I thought to myself, “how daunting a task that must be!” — even for a group of experienced masons. But they’re doing it. They’re laying one brick at a time. Eventually all of those bricks will accumulate and they’ll have beautified the outside of a massive structure.

From where I stood, the whole thing seemed overwhelming. But that’s the thing about perspective: It’s a personal thing.

As I mentioned in my first Wisdom of Many post, I want to touch on topics that the universe seems to be throwing at me. I haven’t forgotten about being present, but in this past month I have had a couple of experiences that have made me rethink my relationship with perspective.

Much like being present, gaining perspective takes discipline. In fact, in order to gain perspective, one would benefit from being present. These two things are not ships passing in the night. They are not mutually exclusive either, but I think you get the point.

To reconcile the things I’ve been experiencing, I’m trying to throw away judgement and insecurity. Both behaviours get in the way of finding perspective. As a replacement, I’m attempting greater honesty. More often than not it’s an issue of being honest with myself as opposed to others; if I feel something, I’m working on saying it (with respect) or acting on it (within reason).

“Being True to Yourself” gets tossed around as this thing that has an endpoint, but in reality it’s cyclical because you’ll relapse. You’ll find something you’ve done or said goes against what you really want (the ever-elusive happiness). That’s okay! Just move forward with the truth in mind and make adjustments.

We control so little in our lives. I’m not talking about fate. I mean, really! The one major decision we own is what we’re going to do with the time we’ve got each day. How we’re going to act. I have found that when I am up against something that feels like a big deal, I think about how much of my day I want said “thing” to occupy and then act accordingly.

I don’t think that anyone who’s been consuming the news lately hasn’t thought about how fleeting this whole shebang is; how important it is to put what really matters (yourself, family, friends, people) first. Everything else seems petty in comparison. That evaluation is a personal one, but I think the silver lining during tragedies and other scary things is a renewed sense of perspective. The trick is to hang on to it. For dear life.

I’m curious: does anyone else out there feel the same way? How do you manage perspective in your life?

Repotted

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:24:13 -0400

I couldn’t stay away. Maybe it was the push and pull of the clay, the general messiness of it all, or the satisfaction that comes with seeing the finished piece, regardless of its wonkiness.

This thursday is the first night of a ten week throwing class. That’s three more classes (and nine more hours) than I had at my disposal during the last class and, of course, I’m already dreaming of the kinds of things I want to ~~make~~ try and make.

I want to make handles, spouts, sets. I want to make fun feet for bowls and planters that can hang from the ceiling; little openings for cork stoppers and lids (there’s probably a technical term for those).

This class is a compromise with myself; an affordable substitute for a vacation. For three hours each week I can learn something new, relearn what little muscle memory I picked up last time, and unlearn the idea that being on a budget means giving up fun experiences.

Images: 1: Bridget Bodenham 2: Brian Giniewski 3: Katsue Kusumi 4 & 5: Mushimegane Books 6: Leif // Follow my “Vessels” pin board for more.

I did something crazy today: I got a knuckle tattoo! Super impulsive, but fun. I recommend being...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:52:00 -0400

I did something crazy today: I got a knuckle tattoo! Super impulsive, but fun. I recommend being impulsive (within reason, obvi.). The rest of my weekend will likely pale in comparaison; I peaked too soon. Have a good one!

I love to binge-read advice columns and blogs. Dear Coquette is amazing.

This electrical cord DIY via Designlovefest

I was tipped off about Lorde, a NZ musician, by Miss Moss. I promptly added her EP to my rdio collection.

NYT Interview with Louis C.K. via The Fox Is Black

Speaking of TFIB, my friend Siobhán was the desktop wallpaper illustrator this week!

The difference between being 21 and 26 in two gifs

This kmart commercial is advertising gold

Post Photo: Exploded Flowers by Fong Qi Wei

A New Gig!

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:25:56 -0400

I’m so jazzed to let you in on my newest collaboration! I came across Baba Souk a while back and did an Inspired By post that featured a bunch of their amazing, colourful products.

Then, just a week or so ago, Stephanie asked me to be a guest blogger on the shop’s blog! Such a fun opportunity. Thanks Stephanie!

Head over to the baba blog to check out post No.1!

Links & Likes

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:21:00 -0400

We made it! Have a great weekend!

The Beauty Department’s guide to curling irons

Helveticat via Swissmiss

I love this Nancybird Lounge Gown (found via Honey Kennedy)

The New York Times has a haiku bot!

This video

Let’s Run Amok by Marc Johns

I’m swooning over the polkadots on the Proud Mary 30” dotted pillow

Oliver Jeffers on The Great Discontent

Dying to try making these Bean Bowls with Poached Eggs via Sprouted Kitchen

Also: I was third mic on Background Noise last night. If you like terrible jokes and swears and boy-centric stuff then you should go have a listen. I think I held my own!

Post Photo is fuelling my wanderlust. Lisbon by Brett Ltd.

Sweet Spot

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:14:08 -0400

There is something special about Polka Dots. They always put a smile on my face and add the perfect amount of whimsy to an otherwise boring ensemble. All of these items are day-brighteners; antidotes to the blahs. Kind of like spring!

Opening Ceremony | Baba Souk (in partnership with The Object Enthousiast) | Happy Socks | Marni

Well hello there! Please don’t mind my 20 day hiatus. Here are some pictures I took with my...

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:00:01 -0400

Well hello there! Please don’t mind my 20 day hiatus. Here are some pictures I took with my iPhone and posted to instagram since we last spoke: clinique q-tips / new kicks / fleurs.

Links & Likes

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:34:00 -0500

Oh internet, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

Facebook gets a .. um.. face?… lift?

Sign Painters documentary trailer

Dresses for a modern lady super hero

Help Everlane come to Canada

Zara online shopping is a thing now. Uh oh

You are boring

Everyone loves Jennifer Lawrence, but dayyuum. On the same topic, this article is a must-read

Post photo: Chloe Comme Parris’ SS2013 line is pretty fantastic. Lookbook | Jewellery

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! I am going to try to get outta’ town for a day trip and take advantage of the sun that is in the forecast. Until next week!

The Wisdom of Many: On being present

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 07:44:00 -0500

In the past week or so I’ve come across the idea of “being present” in my travels – mostly around the internet – a few times. It’s something I acknowledge as a personal challenge for a few reasons. I hate to be like, “kids these days,” but it’s sort of true. We haven’t exactly been conditioned to live in the moment; rather in three, four, maybe even five moments at once (out with friends while on facebook, twitter, instagram, vine, and sending texts at the same time)!

I’ve also thought about the idea of becoming more private. There is a link between wanting people to know less about me and being present because for me, being present means being a better listener. When I listen more I talk less. Perhaps stopping to think before I share would get me to a place where I am reflecting inwardly and coming to my own conclusions before sputtering my every thought at my friends and family… or twitter to be validated.

When I think about why I like to share my thoughts so often (I mean, is this blog post not exactly that?), I come to the conclusion that I want to feel understood. As if on queue, I happened to catch an episode of Tapestry on CBC Radio One this weekend that touched on the idea of being understood quite beautifully:

There are other things we want from people than to be understood … And I think there is a lot of unconscious exchange that goes on between people – between the words of what they say … More goes on between people’s bodily selves than they’re often conscious of … I think we idealize verbal understanding because we’re troubled by what else is going on. And words give us a sense of having a kind of mastery.

- Adam Phillips, Author

That’s a huge idea to have fumbling around in my mind, but it really did make me think about how I communicate, why I share so much about myself, and why being understood is important to me.

My big takeaway is: that in being present I’m likely being silent; reflecting, listening, or just being – as opposed to seeking the feeling of being understood that probably isn’t understanding at all. And, by sharing less, perhaps I am to gain an inward understanding or, if I’m with another person, benefitting from simply being in and enjoying their presence.

What do you think; have I gone off the deep end? Does anyone else struggle with the idea of keeping your thoughts, words, or actions in the moment?

I highly recommend listening to two of the catalysts for this post: Grace Bonney’s After The Jump Episode, and CBC Radio One’s Tapestry with Mary Hynes. The Wisdom of Many is but a seedling of an idea for a new column, but may go something like this: when the universe tosses me a topic enough times and I feel I should weigh in, I will.

The Smallest Coffee Shop in North America

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:45:34 -0500

La Distributrice is North America’s smallest coffee shop. Located in Mont Royal in Montreal, it sits tucked under a set of steps on a busy city street. I visited the wee watering hole last Summer when I went to Osheaga. I actually went twice. The iced lattes were that good.

Good Design Makes Me Happy just did a feature on the design and branding of the “space” (done by Gabriel Lefrbvre and Rachel Lecompte) which prompted me to share the photo I took (above, with 35mm) when I was there, along with some of the design elements.

I truly believe that small business branding matters. It can mean the difference between an O.K. experience and an amazing one. You don’t have to be fancy or spend a lot of money to achieve a great brand, you just have to be creative. Or hire someone who is! Hint Hint!

For more of my thoughts on branding, check out my Restaurant Branding post.

Links & Likes

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:45:21 -0500

Well, well, well. Here we are again. Friday. The last one in the month of February and I’m not sure about you but YES. March, I am ready for you. I so desperately want warmer temps and longer days.

What are you doing this weekend? I’m having sushi this evening with a dear friend followed by karaoke with even more amazing friends. Saturday will be interesting - I’m doing some shopping for a bridesmaid’s dress… and then Sunday is the Oscars!

Have a great weekend! Here are some random bits of the internet I think you should see:

February. Beautiful images by Olivia Rae James

Girls in Carhartt by Scott Schuman

New ceramic scallop dishes by Emily

Situations (so captivating!)

The Nu Project (NSFW)

Time Cools All Jets

We are Triangles by Marc Johns

This photo of Diana Ross

This dress

I would love to live here or here

Post photo via

Music Mix Four: Love

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 07:25:53 -0500

Love songs for the loveless. Listen.

Home Slice

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:19:26 -0500

I want a lot of things. Too many. But one thing that I am consistently coveting is a home. A little slice (ahem) of the world that’s just the way I like it. In my mind, this place has white walls full of my art “collection” and shelves to stash all of my random bits.

All of these images (and more) can be found on my “spaces” pinterest board. I’d love if you’d join me over there!